The Divided Family by Wanda E. Brunstetter

family members, only the staff and some of the patients would attend.
    “Are you feeling okay, Kristi?” Dad asked, breaking into her thoughts. “You’re not your usual talkative self this evening.”
    “I was thinking about the patient we lost at the nursing home last night. I’m going to miss my visits with her.” Kristi took a bite of her sandwich. The slice of french bread was covered with lettuce, turkey lunchmeat, and Swiss cheese. Squiggles of mustard and mayonnaise traveled across the top. Normally she would have devoured the meal because it tasted so good, but tonight her appetite was diminished.
    “Why don’t you try to find another nursing job, Kristi?” Mom asked. “Something where you’re not working with elderly patients.”
    “I enjoy my work there. I consider it a type of ministry.” Kristi hoped her mother wouldn’t go on and on about this. Sometimes Mom offered her opinions too freely, especially where Kristi was concerned.
    “So what should we do after we’re done eating?” Dad asked. “Should we open our gifts or play a game?”
    “We can’t open gifts, Paul.” Mom nudged Dad’s arm. “We’ve always waited till Christmas morning to do that. And since Kristi will be spending the night here, we can get up early if we want, eat the breakfast casserole I put together earlier today, and then open our Christmas presents to each other.”
    Leave it up to Mom
to make sure we keep to our tradition.
Kristi couldn’t help smiling. Some things never changed.
    “Okay, then,” Dad conceded, “as soon as I’m done eating, I’ll get out one of our favorite board games. We can play awhile and then have some hot chocolate and ginger cookies.”
    Mom swatted his hand playfully. “I’m surprised there are any left. You ate enough of those cookies when I baked them earlier this week.”
    He reached over and patted her cheek. “I never could resist snitching any of your baked goods. You’re the queen of our kitchen.”
    Mom giggled. “So what does that make you?”
    He puffed out his chest, grinning widely. “The king, of course. Whatever you bake, I eat. What a great arrangement.”
    Kristi loved to see the banter between her parents. They’d been sweethearts in high school and had gotten married soon after graduating from college. It warmed her heart that even after being married nearly thirty years Mom and Dad were still in love and enjoyed each other’s company. Kristi hoped to have that kind of a relationship with a man someday.

    Farmerstown
    “How is Scott feeling?” Aunt Verna asked soon after she, Uncle Lester, and Glen entered Arlene’s house.
    Arlene’s brows raised. “How’d you know he wasn’t feeling well? He didn’t complain of a bauchweh until we were on our way home from the schoolhouse last night.”
    “I’m the one who told her.” Glen spoke up. “I heard about it from Uncle Larry when I came by here this morning to see if his driver could take me to work.” He leaned against the doorframe. “My driver came down with the flu last night and couldn’t pick me up.”
    “I see.” Arlene took everyone’s coats and hung them up. “I’m glad you made it here today.” She gave her uncle a hug.
    He smiled, his hazel eyes twinkling. “I wouldn’t have missed this special time with our family for all the money in the world.” Arlene invited them into the living room, where Elsie, John, Blaine, and Mary sat, along with Doris and Brian.
    Arlene’s aunt and uncle took a seat on either side of her. “What about Scott? Is he feeling better today?” Aunt Verna asked.
    “Not much, but he doesn’t seem to be any worse, either. He’s upstairs with Doug, Hope, Lillian, and Martha. I’ll call them down as soon as supper is ready to be served.”
    “And how’s this little fellow doing?” Aunt Verna moved over to where Elsie sat, holding Samuel.
    “He’s been content to have me hold him since we got here fifteen minutes ago.” Elsie kissed the top of the